There are often times that we feel a connection to our birds and the birds we see in the wild and feel an urge to do something that will make their lives better. Young people will often say that they want to get into a career that will help animals. Even those of us that are older can still find ourselves wanting to do so, even if that means changing what we have been doing or getting more of an education in order to do more. I’d like to examine just some of the ways that we can help parrots by looking at some of the careers that can lead us down that path. Some are obvious, but some you may not have considered before. 

Avian Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician

Perhaps one of the most pressing issues we are facing today is a lack of avian specialized veterinarians and technicians. There is a severe shortage of these specialized professionals despite birds being one of the most popular pets in the world. Perhaps you’ve experienced this issue firsthand, calling from one clinic to another trying to find a doctor that will see your bird. Oftentimes, even those willing to see them won’t have the knowledge needed to make them comfortable diagnosing and treating your bird. This is a real issue, but it doesn’t have to be.

Becoming a veterinarian isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do if this is the field you are interested in. People everywhere with birds in their family are looking for a provider that they can rely on to keep their family members healthy. Not only is it personally rewarding, but it is a high-paying job as well. The average annual pay in the US for an avian specialized veterinarian is about $165,527. Those in highly specialized practices can earn over $200k depending on location and specialty. 

But, you don’t have to become a veterinarian to help address the challenges. You can also become a veterinary technician with specialized knowledge in avian care. You can help advise the staff in a clinic and perform important duties related to birds. Many times, you can get the credentials needed by enrolling in a program and passing a test in order to become certified. In some places, veterinary clinics will help you with the process because they are in great need of techs in their practice. Especially those with specialized knowledge.

Parrot Behavior Specialist

We’ve discussed, at length, that parrots are intelligent, complicated animals that require knowledge and understanding in order to keep them healthy. Many people with parrots that are having behavior issues  find themselves needing to seek outside help finding solutions. Sometimes, zoos and veterinary clinics will also want to enlist someone with specialized knowledge in parrot behavior to advise them as well. 

Learning about parrot behavior is fascinating and can lead you to a career path with lots of possibilities. Organizations such as the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) offers programs, scholarships, and assists with credentialing to those wanting to seek a career in animal behavior consulting. You can also attend university and get a degree related to animal behavior or train under the mentorship of someone. However you choose to do it, this career path is very rewarding to those that want to work directly with parrots and their caretakers to improve their lives and solve problems related to their care.

Parrot Rescue/Sanctuary Worker

This one is really important, and having adopted and fallen in love with several parrots myself, is very near and dear to my heart. Another pressing issue when it comes to domestic parrots is that they are being surrendered at high rates everywhere. Rescues and sanctuaries are running out of space to keep them - with some having long waiting lists for intakes. By opening a facility or working with one, you can help ease the burden that is being placed on current ones everywhere.

I won't lie, operating and working in a rescue or sanctuary is difficult and can take an emotional and physical toll on those in the field. But, it's one of the most direct ways you can make a positive difference on the front lines of the issues parrots are facing. Until we find solutions to the problems that are causing parrots to be surrendered at such alarming rates, rescues will continue to struggle to keep up with the intakes. There are so many birds that are needing a safe, loving place to go right now. If you think that you can help, and are up to the difficult challenge of rescue work, perhaps consider how you can help in this area. 

Careers in Education

You can take any of the topics I've listed and more and use that knowledge to teach others. You can teach at a school or university, but you can also hold workshops and visit facilities to teach children as well as adults. Those with a degree in education can teach classes in conservation, animal behavior, and more to students. Sometimes, one class can spark an interest for someone that they didn't know they had. You can be that spark for another generation to help protect and enrich current and future birds.

You can also consider writing as a way to educate people are parrots. For example, one way that I have chosen to teach others is through this blog. However you choose to do it, you can write engaging posts in order to capture the attention of others and teach them about how to care for their birds. 

Careers in Conservation and Environmental Science

It isn't just domestic parrots that are facing challenges. Parrots all over the world are facing extinction and habitat loss due to human activities and climate change. Careers in conservation and environmental science can help you to learn more about the issues and create solutions to the problems birds are facing right in their backyards. Many people that go into these fields are not looking specifically at parrot conservation and habitats that specifically affect them. You can join the communities of people that are and that love birds for an extremely rewarding career. Climate change is arguably the biggest issue we are facing as a united planet, and you can help create solutions. 

Getting a degree in this field opens up a lot of opportunity and career choices. If you want to travel, you can go to sites to research and see the issues in person. You can also learn about mapping and remote sensing utilizing GIS and other programs in order to assess where we are and help predict where we are headed in locations where parrots are located. There are a lot of different paths you can take, and they can all lead to solutions for the birds that you love.

Careers in Law - Animal and Environmental Protection

With the growing issues due to things like climate change and environmental harm that is causing on our planet, more and more professionals are joining the ranks of those wanting to create solutions. Some of those are people working in law such as lawyers and other legal professionals, and they are assisting by utilizing the legal system in order to help create protections and regulations related to conservation and environmental protection. There are so many issues that they are facing head on that I can't list them all here. But they include things like conservation, environmental protection, and environmental justice for marginalized communities. Many of those communities are in places where parrots and other animals are being affected as well. 

These are just some of the career paths that a person can take in order to help parrots and other birds that need us. However you choose to do it, working towards solutions and doing something that matters to you is one of the most rewarding, personally fulfilling things you can do in your life. I commend every single person that does so, not matter how seemingly big or small. Your community and the birds you love will thank you for generations to come!